There are days when I just feel like eating unhealthy food. I’m not sure why that’s the case, it’s not like I’ve been eating all that healthy lately. Today was one of those days. I craved for a good old burger. A classic Aussie beef burger with the lot. I used to get them all the time when I was young from the local fish and chip or take away shops.
Then I remember there was a burger place that I’ve been wanting to visit for the longest time but still haven’t made my way there yet – Andrew’s Hamburgers in Albert Park. Andrew’s Hamburgers is rated the best burger in all of Melbourne by many food critics and with good reason too. It’s loved not only by the locals and foodies like myself but also by celebrities, restauranteurs, sportspeople and our very own Masterchef judges.
When I walked up to the shop I thought to myself ‘did I just drive 25kms to eat takeaway? You’ve got to be kidding me!’. The shop literally looked like your average burger takeaway. I’m sure there’s one in nearly every suburb, but of course, this one was different. There was a reason why a whole wall in the shop was completely covered in awards, articles and photos with famous patrons who all adore their burgers.
According to Greg, the current owner and chef, the shop has been open since 1939, being one of the first or second burger joint in the whole of Melbourne. In 1957, Greg’s uncle Andrew purchased the place and it has been in the family ever since. Coincidentally, the first owner’s name was also Andrew. The recipe for their famous burgers have not changed since its first opening and Greg makes sure he only sources the best and freshest ingredients for his burgers. When you have organic beef and free range eggs, surely it can’t go wrong.
If you’re after fancy burgers with modern ingredients and cultural twists, look somewhere else. Andrew’s serves up classic versions with the choice of tomato, lettuce, egg, pineapple, bacon, cheese and beef. If you feel like something else, they also have rolls, sandwiches, souvlakis and chips on the side.
Greg was so warm and friendly. I could see the twinkle in his eyes when he was telling me about the shop’s history and that just shows how much he cares about the place and how proud he is of what they have achieved over the years. I just love that little bit of personal touch.
I must say, he’s quite photogenic and a very seasoned poser…and so is that burger.
And how were the burgers I hear you ask? Absolutely beautiful. I couldn’t have been happier with what I got. To be different, Yuye and I didn’t both order burgers with the lot ($10.50). Only he did. The burger was bigger than I expected. The bun was very fluffy and the egg was cooked perfectly. The yolk was still slightly gooey but somehow they made the egg flat. The patty was juicy and full of beefy goodness and we’re glad they didn’t stingy out on the bacon.
I ordered the steak burger with the lot ($11.50) so essentially had the same ingredients as Yuye’s except mine was better. The steak was meaty and chewy but still very tender and juicy. As it was in steak form, it tasted a lot more beefy than the patty. I liked mine more but Yuye liked both of them equally.
We ordered a small chips for $3.50 (you can choose between mini, small or large) to share as well. If I had known the burgers were so filling, I would have only ordered a mini. But the chips were just so good I didn’t want to waste them so we pushed on and finished them all while we walked back to the car. If you wanted tomato sauce to go with your chips, they’re available on the counter for a donation which is such a lovely thing to do.
We were only able to dine in because we paid Andrew’s a visit on a late Wednesday afternoon. With only 4 seats and hardly any space to stand, your best bet is to take away the burger if you do plan to visit.
Would I drive 25km again to eat at Andrew’s Hamburgers? Absolutely yes. The burgers at Andrew’s are cheap, hearty, full of fresh ingredients and best of all, they are very tasty. Not the best for my heart or waistline, but they are great on my palate. I can assure you too, the wait for your burger will never be boring as you can read all the articles and reviews on the wall that Andrew’s Hamburgers have featured in.
Question time: Do you have days when you crave for unhealthy food like burgers or snacks?
Andrew’s Hamburgers
Phone: (03) 9690 2126
144 Bridport St, Albert Park VIC 3206
http://www.andrewshamburgers.com.au
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{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
I didn’t realize how spoiled I was having so many awesome burger places near me. The better question for me is “when are you not craving a burger?” Much easier to answer.
“When are you NOT craving a burger?” That is SO true!
Should have thought of it that way…
I don’t think about burgers as being unhealthy, rather I think of them as ‘occasional food’. I don’t mind going to a specialty burger place or even the local takeaway just to see what their burgers are like. Either way I enjoy a good burger and Andrew’s look like a good traditional burger to me! Will keep Andrew’s in mind next time I am in Melbourne.
Actually yes, Andrew’s burgers are not unhealthy at all, since the ingredients are quite fresh and good.
Finally someone else who agrees Burgers are not unhealthy!! They are simply a plate of food on a bun!!
oh my – that burger looks amazing! In fact, it is worthy of a road trip to Albert Park (a 30 minute road trip, but still…) and seriously, is Matt Preston a giant or WHAT!
T x
Yes I did think it was worthy of that “road trip”.
It’s sad for us suburbians to call going to Albert Park a road trip though, wish I lived near the city.
That’s totally what I thought when I saw the Matt Preston photo!! XD But truth is Greg is not a big man so the giant Matt is highlighted even more.
Quite a cute photo I thought.
That’s one bodacious burger that definitely looks worth the drive.
Oh it was…worth every minute of the drive…:P
Well gosh!! Look at that gorgeous burger that he is holding on that tray! Yum!
I got to eat that burger on that tray YAY!
It looks quite stunning doesn’t it…
Now that looks like a serious burger. Yum.
Very serious, very filling and very delicious burger it was.
Those burger pictures are making me hungry! There seems to be a burger craze emerging here in Toronto — we’ve had two new really good burger joints open up in the past year or so. They have a cult-like following, and one of them has a secret online menu. Such fun! I’d love to give Andrew’s a try, but it’s a bit of a hike.
Secret menu? That sounds like so much fun! We don’t have as big of a burger cult here in Melbourne I’m afraid, but there are a few good places if one wants a good burger fix (like Andrew’s) which is still good.
Wow. Those are some tasty looking burgers!
They really do look delicious don’t they.
Tasted good too. 
It is good to see some proper old fashioned hamburger places still exist:)
Yes I totally agree! A lot of burger places don’t do their burgers properly or it’s always missing something.
Before I read this blog, I have to leave a message to let you know that I love your blog and photos sooooooooooo much! I just moved to Melbourne four months ago, and am not familiar with everything here…But, I love food just like you…also, I am from Shanghai….haha…
Thanks so much for your comment, it means a lot to me! I love fellow Shanghainese because we are pretty cool people.
if you want tips on where to eat, you can just ask me or go through my blog. Or if you have anything else you want to ask about anything at all just send me an email! Love to hear from you. 
oh my i want that burger and of course french fries and a bottle of coke please.
Yes! We had fries, or rather chips. They were really nice. Didn’t get a drink because we already had one in the car.
Decadent fast food. We have all the expensive ‘in’ burger stores now, this is so much better. Reminds me of a pace I found in Toronto.
Those are serious burgers, and look well worth the drive. Yes, I’m afraid I often crave unhealthy food, mostly in an evening – I try not to let it in the house, as I wouldn’t go out late at night to fetch it!!
YUM! Yes I’ve heard of these legendary Andrew’s Burgers! They look so good. There’s a burger place really close to where my bf lives called danny’s burgers that we all love. This place reminds me of it. It’s always packed!
I’ve heard of Danny’s Burgers as well! Somewhere I must visit some time. I’ve been eating a lot of burgers lately, Huxtaburger is quite nice too!
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